Buying U.S. Shares in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about investing in U.S. shares from Australia? You’re not alone. With the U.S. home to some of the world’s biggest companies – think Apple, Microsoft and Tesla – it’s no surprise that Aussie investors are keen to get in on the action. 

But before you dive in, it’s important to understand how to buy U.S. shares, the tax implications and what platforms make it possible.

Why Invest in U.S. Shares?

The U.S. stock market is the largest and most liquid in the world, with indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite tracking the performance of hundreds of leading companies. 

Many global brands you interact with daily – whether through tech, retail or entertainment – are listed in the U.S., giving investors a chance to own a slice of businesses that shape the global economy.

With the right platform, you don’t need to be on Wall Street to own a piece of these companies.

How to Buy U.S. Shares in Australia

Australian investors can access U.S. markets through online trading platforms. Here’s the typical process:

1. Choose a platform – Look for a broker that offers access to U.S. markets, low brokerage fees and an easy-to-use platform.
2. Open and verify your account – You’ll need to provide identification and complete standard checks.
3. Fund your account – Deposit AUD into your account, which may be converted into USD for U.S. share purchases.
4. Place your trade – Search for the company, select the number of shares you want to buy and confirm the trade.

💡 With Superhero, you can access over 6,000 U.S. shares and ETFs, buy fractions of high-priced stocks like Amazon and Tesla and manage your U.S. and ASX investments in one place.

Tax Implications of Buying U.S. Shares in Australia

When investing in U.S. shares from Australia, there are a few key tax points to be aware of:

• Withholding Tax on Dividends: The U.S. government charges a 30% tax on dividends paid to foreign investors. However, under the Australia–U.S. tax treaty, this is generally reduced to 15% if you complete a W-8BEN form with your broker.
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Profits from selling U.S. shares are generally subject to Australian capital gains tax. The amount depends on your individual circumstances including how long you’ve held the shares.
• No Double Taxation: Thanks to the tax treaty, you usually won’t be taxed twice on the same income.

📌 Important: This information is factual and general in nature. It is not personal financial advice. For guidance specific to your situation speak with a registered tax professional.

U.S. Share Market Indices

If you’re new to U.S. shares, you’ll often hear about indices that represent different parts of the market:

• S&P 500 – Tracks 500 of the largest U.S. companies.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average – Includes 30 major blue-chip companies.
• Nasdaq Composite – Known for tech-heavy listings such as Apple, Amazon and Tesla.

These indices give investors a quick snapshot of how the U.S. market is performing.

Platforms to Buy U.S. Shares from Australia

When comparing brokers, investors typically look at:

• Access to U.S. markets (some brokers only offer ASX-listed shares)
• Brokerage fees and FX costs
• Ease of use and platform features
• Fractional investing options
• Regulation and investor protections

Superhero is built for investors who want a simple and affordable way to access both ASX and U.S. shares. With brokerage from $2 on U.S. trades (FX fees apply), no monthly account fees and fractional investing, Superhero makes global investing accessible for everyday Aussies.

Best U.S. Shares to Buy Now?

This is one of the most-searched questions – but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The "best" shares depend on your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Some investors look to large-cap names like Apple, Microsoft or Johnson & Johnson for stability, while others chase growth in companies like Tesla, Nvidia or Meta.

📌 Important: Superhero does not provide personal financial advice or stock recommendations. Past performance is not an indicator of future results. Always do your own research or seek advice from a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions.

Final Thoughts

Investing in U.S. shares from Australia has never been easier. With access to global giants, diversification opportunities and fractional investing, Aussie investors have a world of choice. But remember – understanding the tax rules, choosing the right platform and sticking to your own investment strategy are key.

Superhero makes it simple to buy U.S. shares alongside your Australian investments – all in one place.

This information is not advice and is general in nature. Investing carries risk. View our FSGs to consider if Superhero is appropriate for you.